valles caldera

Twice a winter, the gorgeous Valles Caldera National Preserve opens its snow-covered trails to cross-country skiers, snowshoers and animal-watchers for free. Just show up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. today to take advantage of some of the best outdoor recreation in the Southwest without paying a penny. The valley is vast but parking is not—carpool if you can. For details on what to expect, plus the Valles' slate of sleigh rides, moonlight hikes and other wintertime activities, visit vallescaldera.gov.